Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister, Katia Aveiro, dropped a pretty clear signal this week about her brother’s international future. Speaking to reporters in Toronto ahead of Portugal’s World Cup Round of 32 matchup against Croatia, she didn’t exactly announce his retirement. But she came close.
Aveiro said she has reliable information that this World Cup will be Ronaldo’s final tournament with the Portugal national team. She framed the upcoming match against Croatia as “the last dance” not just for her brother, but also for Luka Modric. Both players are in the twilight of their international careers and both are likely making their last World Cup appearances.
She was careful to clarify that the farewell won’t happen tonight. But the implication is clear: once Portugal exits the tournament, however far that may be, Ronaldo’s time in a national team jersey is done.
Her take on the criticism
Aveiro also addressed the wave of criticism Ronaldo has faced over the past couple of years. She didn’t hold back. Anyone who doesn’t appreciate what Ronaldo has done for Portuguese football, she argued, just doesn’t understand the game. She emphasized how proud the family is of his entire career.
It’s worth noting that Ronaldo himself hasn’t made any official announcement. But his sister’s comments carry weight. She’s been around his career from the beginning and isn’t prone to throwing out random speculation.
The bigger picture here
Ronaldo turns 41 next February. He’s already playing club soccer in Saudi Arabia. The 2026 World Cup was always going to be a stretch for him to make, and if Portugal goes deep, it would be a fitting sendoff for the all-time leading men’s international goal scorer.
The match against Croatia is basically a knockout game from the jump. Win or go home. Modric, at 40, is in the exact same situation on the other side. Two legends of the game, likely their last time on this stage, going head-to-head.
Portugal’s federation hasn’t confirmed anything. Ronaldo’s camp hasn’t put out a statement. But Aveiro’s comments are about as close to a confirmation as you’re going to get unless Ronaldo himself steps to a microphone.
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